By Crime and Courts Reporter- CIshmael Chokurongerwa, better known as Madzibaba Ishmael, was back at the Norton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday facing murder charges.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Chokurongerwa (56) allegedly connived with Siribhino Chikunhure and Wonder Kabaya to terminate Hazel Chikurunhe’s pregnancy, resulting in her death. Said the NPA:

They went on to secretly bury the deceased’s body at Lily Farm church shrine without following due procedure.

Chikunhure and Kabaya escaped the police dragnet when law enforcement agents raided Madzibaba Ishmael’s shrine and are still at large.

Chokurongerwa was remanded in custody to 07 May 2024 and was referred to the High Court for bail application.

The leader of the Johanne Masowe Penyera Nyika sect based in Nyabira also faced five counts of “having sexual intercourse with a minor” when he appeared at the Norton Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Chokurongerwa allegedly engaged in sexual relations with 5 minors between 2018 and 2024 and impregnated them resulting in the birth of six infants. One of his victims, a 14-year-old, has two children.

He was recently granted US$1,000 bail following his arrest for allegedly violating the Burial and Children’s Act, respectively.